Greetings all!
It’s hard to believe we’re half way through this year. Where does the time go?
I was asking myself that recently as one of my favorite movies celebrated its
40th anniversary. Really, it was forty years ago that Smokey and The
Bandit was released? Hal Needham made his directorial debut with that film. In
the course of those forty years we’ve lost Jackie Gleason, Hal Needham, Jerry
Reed and Pat McCormick, but their work will live on. I’ve written about the
dream it inspired and how it finally came true at http://therealalexpaxton.blogspot.com
, those of you who are interested can click and read. Of course, now that I’ve
done what they say can’t be done for Smokey and The Bandit, what am I going to
do for the fortieth anniversary of Hooper next year? Smokey and The Bandit
evoked a dream but Hooper sparked a passion! Maybe this is the time to do a
full body burn or maybe a high fall, better yet, a high fall while on fire! Has
anybody ever done that before? I feel like I’ve seen it done but I can’t place
where. Oh well, I’ve got some time to figure it out.
So, we’re almost
into the summer reading season, what have you read lately? Here’s what I’ve
read for the month, you may want some suggestions-
Bad Luck And Trouble
by Lee Child- This is book eleven in the Jack Reacher series. If you’ve
enjoyed the series up to this point, then you are going to love this one. Frances
Neagley (you might remember her from Without Fail) is getting the unit back
together after two of the members wind up missing. Read the book to find out
what happens next. It’s definitely worth your time.
Still Foolin’ ‘Em:
Where I’ve Been, Where I’m Going and Where The Hell Are My Keys? by Billy
Crystal- Crystal talks about his childhood and how he got into comedy and
acting, along with how he’s gotten older and how he views life now. If you’re a
fan, you’ll enjoy it. If you get the chance, track down the audio book. Crystal
reads it and there are parts that they recorded in front of an audience because
it felt more like a performance piece than an autobiography. Check it out, you
won’t be disappointed.
Bucky F*cking Dent by
David Duchovny- Set in the late ‘70’s, this story follows a sons’ struggle
to make his father comfortable in the decline of his life. The father is
determined to live long enough to see The Yankees get into The World Series.
Check it out, it’s pretty good.
Juliet, Naked by Nick
Hornby- A rock star who’s been a recluse for the past twenty years seems to
have a ripple effect on everybody he comes in contact with after his “new”
album is leaked to the internet groupies. It’s light and makes for a pleasant
read.
The Mark Of Zorro by
Johnston McCulley- Originally serialized in a magazine in 1910, this is the
Zorro story that started it all. If you’re a fan, you’ll enjoy it. If you’re
sitting there scratching your head trying to figure out who Zorro is, please,
read this book and send me an mail letting me know what you thought.
Loitering With
Intent-The Apprentice by Peter O’Toole- The second volume of his
autobiography mainly focuses on his years at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts
and the start of his acting career. If you enjoyed The Child, then you really
should read this one.
But Enough About Me
by Burt Reynolds- Like most memoirs by your favorite actors, he goes on
about the things you didn’t know just long enough to keep it interesting and
then brushes over your favorite movies so that you’re left wanting more. If
you’re a fan of Mr. Reynolds (and who isn’t?), then you’ll really like this
book. If you’re just interested in a good human interest story, well, there’s
something in here for you too.
I didn’t make it
out to too many movies this month, but, with one exception, what I saw was
pretty good.
Ambushed- Dolph
Lundgren is a federal agent trying to shut down a cocaine ring. Randy Couture
is a dirty local cop intent on seeing to it that the drug business continues to
do business and Vinnie Jones is the head of the cocaine distribution. All three
have been in better movies and done better work. Even Benny Urquidez (stunt
coordinator) has done better work. I’ve seen worse but there are better ways to
spend 96 minutes.
American Psycho-
I am a fan of Bret Easton Ellis and while this may color outside the lines of
the book just a little, it is a lot of fun. It’s also one of my favorite
Christian Bale roles and he’s always fun to watch. A local theater got a hold
of a 35mm print so I was able to get off work early, cancel my reservation at
Dorsia and make the late show. It’s still good.
Guardians Of The
Galaxy Volume 2- Maybe it was that I knew what to expect but I warmed up to
this movie faster than the last. I guess you could call it faithful in its
adaptation since I never got in to the comic books either. If you enjoyed the
first one, check it out, it’s a lot better than the previews make it out to be.
Smokey And The Bandit-
To say that I enjoyed this movie would be an understatement. It was really cool
to see it with a crowd of enthusiastic fans after 40 years of countless
viewings. If you ever get the chance to see this movie, take it!
Last, but not least, I have a couple of things my t.v.
watching friends might enjoy.
American Horror Story
season 1- Connie Britton and Dylan McDermott play a couple who move across
the country with their daughter to make a fresh start of things. Unfortunately,
the house they just bought has other plans for them. Jessica Lange does a great
job as their neighbor. Watch it if you dare!
The Andy Griffith
Show season 1- I was feeling a little nostalgic and looking for a sitcom
when this happened into my field of vision. It’s pretty light but makes an
entertaining way to spend 26 minutes.
I guess that
about wraps it up. Tune in next month as I’ll tell you about my travels to most
points west as well as the usual list of books and movies. See you then.
